UPDATE: Disney has just filed a cease-and-desist letter against Google, accusing the tech giant of using its copyrighted material to train AI models without permission. This urgent move comes as Disney claims that Google has violated its copyright protections “on a massive scale.”
The cease-and-desist letter, revealed by CNET, targets two key areas of Google’s operations: the use of Disney characters in AI models and copyright infringement via YouTube. Disney asserts that Google is exploiting its intellectual property, stating,
“Google’s AI Services are designed to free ride off Disney’s intellectual property.”
The letter emphasizes that Google has failed to implement any technological measures to prevent copyright infringement, despite such solutions being available and utilized by competitors.
Disney’s complaint highlights that Google’s actions are not just damaging its copyrighted works but are also allowing the tech company to generate “enormous profits” from this exploitation. The entertainment giant had previously approached Google regarding these concerns several months ago but received no response, prompting the current legal action.
In the backdrop of this escalating conflict with Google, Disney has announced a significant partnership with OpenAI. The companies have finalized a licensing deal that grants OpenAI’s Sora AI video generator access to over 200 Disney characters from franchises including Marvel, Pixar, and “Star Wars.” This collaboration marks OpenAI’s first major content licensing agreement, highlighting Disney’s commitment to responsible AI use while protecting creator rights.
As part of this deal, Disney plans to leverage OpenAI’s technology to enhance its offerings on Disney+, and will also deploy ChatGPT for its employees. This strategic partnership positions Disney as a major customer and investor in OpenAI, contributing $1 billion in equity.
The developments between Disney and Google are being closely monitored, as they represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over AI copyright. The stakes are high, not only for these industry giants but also for the future of content creation and intellectual property rights in the digital age.
As this story unfolds, observers will be keen to see how Google reacts to Disney’s cease-and-desist order and whether further legal actions will ensue. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation impacting the tech and entertainment industries.
